Just two weeks after stepping down as Italy's head coach, Roberto Mancini has been appointed as the new manager of the Saudi Arabia national team. The 58-year-old, who guided Italy to victory over England in the Euro 2020 championship game at Wembley, will now take on the role of leading Saudi Arabia's football squad.
Despite overseeing an impressive unbeaten streak of 37 games, which was a global record, Mancini's Italy was unable to secure a spot in the 2022 World Cup.
He has signed a contract until 2027. His first match in charge will be on 8 September against Costa Rica at St James' Park, Newcastle.
"I believe this is a great opportunity for me, to experience football in a new country, especially with the growing popularity of football in Asia," Mancini said.
"The presence of top players in the Saudi Pro League indicates the potential for growth in the national football scene."
Under previous head coach Herve Renard, Saudi Arabia stunned eventual champions Argentina with a 2-1 victory in Qatar during the 2018 World Cup, however they were unable to advance past the group stage.
Mancini has managed Fiorentina, Lazio, Inter Milan, Galatasaray, and Zenit St. Petersburg in addition to leading Manchester City to their first Premier League championship in 2012.
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